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LivingWales NOVEMBER 2009
ISSUE 44
PLUS
Made in Wales!
MUSIC &THEATRE NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS RUGBY INTERVIEWS LATEST FILMS INTERIORS FASHION & MUCH MORE...
REGIONAL RUGBY
See pages 6&7 for our new monthly spotlight on Newport Gwent Dragons.
Dream the dream We speak to theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh as the touring production of Les Misérables makes its way to the Millennium Centre next month
WIN!
10 Trollbead Bracelets worth £80 each PLUS Win a signed Dragons Rugby Shirt
YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS
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MAGIC MOMENTS PDFING PAGE
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WELCOME & CONTENTS PDFING PAGE
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welcome Publishing Editor Nick Clarke nick@livingwalesmag.co.uk Assistant Publisher Anne-Marie Smith anne-marie@livingwalesmag.co.uk Advertising Mark Davies mark@livingwalesmag.co.uk Website Manager Phil Page webmaster@livingwalesmag.co.uk Production production@livingwalesmag.co.uk Accounts accounts@livingwalesmag.co.uk Contributers Jason Roberts, Michael Took, Phillip Pitman, Jamie Arthur, Patricia Clarke, Catrin Williams, Nick Jones, Meme Morgan, Gavin Watkins. Office telephone 01495 750600 Website www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
Living Wales Magazine is part of the Out & Out Publishing Group Ltd, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Gwent. NP4 6JE Out & Out Publishing Ltd Nick Clarke Managing Director
Please note that all views of advertisers or individuals within the magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. No image, editorial or advert contained within this magazine can be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
HIS month, we have made a few changes to Living Wales. We decided that because Les Misérables would be showing at the Wales Millennium Centre in December and January we wanted to heavily concentrate on this and didn't want to compromise on space. So, no food review this month, but still plenty of wonderful ideas where you can dine now and during the festive period. Back to Les Miserables. The Wales Millennium Centre is celebrating its fifth birthday this year, and what better way than to host the touring production of Les Misérables - one of the greatest shows ever to grace our stages. We take a look at the production of the show, and the background to Les Misérables as well as an interview with the producer Cameron Mackintosh. We are also really happy to be featuring every month news and information on the Gwent Dragons. This month we look at how the Gwent Dragons came into being, player profile, their fixtures list and much more. We will also run regular competitions in conjunction with the Dragon's. With Christmas just round the corner, Living Wales has some inspiring gift ideas, as well as beautiful outfits for the whole family. All of which can be found locally or just a mouse click away. For this month’s Grand Day Out we take a look at Blackwood and the regeneration that has taken place over the years. With winter sneaking in, our 'In the Home' section looks at ways of heating your home, with a special focus on the Fire Design Studio in Newport and a selection of some of its fireplaces and surrounds. We have some fantastic competitions this month. Firstly, your chance to win a beautiful Troll Bead starter bracelet courtesy of A Lea Jewellers in Aberdare, a signed Gwent Dragons rugby jersey and our new monthly photography competition where your winning image will be printed on high quality canvas. Happy reading and don't forget to enter the competitions.
T
Anne-Marie www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
WELCOME & CONTENTS PDFING PAGE
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contents
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6 - 7 Dragons Rugby
26-32 Food
The Newport Gwent Dragons history and player profile, news and fixtures. PLUS we have a signed Dragons Shirt to give away.
Ideas where you can host your Christmas party or enjoy a quiet meal this festive season. PLUS we announce our finalists for the ACE Living Wales Restaurant of the year competition.
8 What’s On Your guide to what’s on this November.
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34 Films
9-12 Special Feature We have a special 4 page special on Les Misérables starting with the musical and an interview with its producer Cameron Mackintosh, then we look at the original Victor Hugo book to see where it all began.
The Sea Wall, Amelia & new movie starring Martin Freeman, Nativity.
35 Interview Former Eastender Shaun Williamson stars as Fletch in the stage production of the comedy classic Porridge.
14 Christmas Gifts
36-37 Beauty
A selection of Christmas Gift ideas plus our wonderful jewellery competition.
Massage courtesy of Ice Hair & Beauty Salon
18-20 A Grand Day Out Blackwood
21-24 In The Home
We spotlight the Fire Design Studio, Newport along with heating ideas for the winter season
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38-41 Fashion Do you need a new tuxedo or maybe a sexy little black dress for the party season?
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44 Photography Top tips with your digital camera.
45 Business Heads Of The Valley Innovation Programme.
46 Finance
Latest financial advice from Gavin Watkins.
47 Legal
Rubin Lewis O-Brien LLP Solictors.
49 Places to Stay Fantastic places to stay in Wales.
9 www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
38 NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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dragons rugby
Dragons Region on fire with Living Wales THE Newport Gwent Dragons are one of four professional rugby regions established by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2003, representing the South-East Wales area in Wales. Based at Rodney Parade, Newport, the Dragons participate in the Magners League, LV= Cup and the Heineken Cup competitions. Now in partnership with the Dragons, Living Wales magazine will publish regular monthly updates, news, and player profiles as well as informing the people of Gwent of the good work the Dragons are doing at grass roots and youth levels. The season so far has seen some sterling performances and despite three away losses in the Magners League to Leinster and Munster - Heineken and Magners champions respectively and regional rivals the Scarlets as well as a heartbreaking loss to Gloucester in Europe, the Men of Gwent remain unbeaten at home in all competitions and got their first away win in the Magners League since January against Edinburgh at Murrayfield at the end of October. This is no mean feat given the crippling list of injuries to key players which have forced the side to field five different captains so far. But the team have pulled together and some fantastic individual performances as well as strong team work have guided the team through a potentially devastating injury crisis. New Backs Coach Darren Edwards has brought a new fluidity and excitement to the back line whilst the defence under the stewardship of Colin Charvis has proved solid against some tough opposition and have linked in well with Head Coach Paul Turner and Forwards Coach Leigh Jones. In a side where pride is taken in the whole being more than the sum of its parts, it is difficult to single out individual players but Luke Charteris, Ashley Smith, Steve Jones and Shaun Connor have all stepped up to the plate when asked to lead the side in the absence of Tom Willis, whilst Adam Jones has worked tirelessly in the second row. Gavin Thomas has already shown his quality and commitment to the side whilst fly half James Arlidge and wing Richard Fussell have been inspirational.
WIN a signed Dragons Rugby Jersey To celebrate the Dragons new partnership with Living Wales magazine, we will be running regular competitions with prizes donated by the Dragons and for this first competition, the prize is a signed Dragons shirt. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this simple question: Who is the Dragons Defence Coach? a. Leigh Jones b. Colin Charvis c. Darren Edwards Send your answers to: Dragons Competition, Living Wales magazine, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 6JE CLOSING DATE DECEMBER 18th 2009
Dragons Support Alternative Education and Local Youngsters THE Dragons recently invited a group of youngsters on a regional motivational day at Rodney Parade. Following a tour of stadium, trophy room and changing rooms, our guests had chance to meet the Dragons players. The day concluded with a question and answer session and presentation of loads of goodies from Wales star Luke Charteris. The Dragons are delighted to assist community groups in providing their youngsters with a real positive experience, which hopefully will go some small way to motivating and engaging them into the community. Caerphilly Fast Forward is a pupil
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
referral unit, which provides a different learning environment to the mainstream
curriculum classroom. The majority of the young people who attend the unit have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools. Through partnership working with local partners like the Sports Development team, we are able to give the young people a diverse range of experiences. Helen Satherley, Programme Development Officer at Fast Forward said “some of our young people have struggled academically but give them a ball and they are able to demonstrate real skills and determination.� Through this visit, a partnership has been forged to ensure more youngsters have the same opportunity in the future.
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in association with
Player Profile Dan Lydiate DAN Lydiate first featured for the senior side in 2007 and has now been selected for the Welsh squad for this season’s autumn international matches. A physical and athletic back row forward, Lydiate is an extremely strong player and has shown great maturity both on and off the pitch which has led to him been looked upon as one of the rising stars of both regional and international rugby. Dan’s rise to international success is even more impressive given that during a Heineken Cup match in Perpignan back in 2007 at the age of just 19, Dan suffered a serious neck injury which threatened to end his rugby career on the spot. Showing his trademark quiet determination, Dan returned to the side a year later, having undergone surgery on his upper spine and intensive rehabilitation to become a regular fixture in the Dragons team and was picked as part of Wales’ touring side for the USA in the summer. Lydiate’s emergence as a professional rugby player embodies what the Dragons are seeking to achieve in terms of player development and is one of several players who have made it through to professional rugby from the region, including Ashley Smith, Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas, Hugh Gustafson, Lewis Evans and newcomer this season Toby Faletau.
Youth rugby a priority for the Dragons
Gwent rugby fixtures DRAGONS FIXTURES Sun 6 Dec 17:05 Leinster (H) ML Rodney Parade Sun 13th Dec 13:45 Biarritz Olympique (A) HC Parc des Sports Aguilera Fri 18th Dec 20:00 Biarritz Olympique (H) HC Rodney Parade Sun 27 Dec 18:00 Cardiff Blues (A) ML Cardiff City Stadium Thu 31 Dec 14:05 The Scarlets (H) ML Rodney Parade
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Saturday 5 December 14:30 Carmarthen RFC v Bedwas RFC 14:30 Neath RFC v Newport RFC 14:30 Pontypool RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC 14:30 Swansea RFC v Cross Keys RFC Saturday 12 December 14:30 Cross Keys RFC v Llandovery RFC 14:30 Newport RFC v Aberavon RFC 14:30 Swansea RFC v Pontypool RFC Saturday 19 December 14:30 Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC 14:30 Llanelli RFC v Bedwas RFC 14:30 Pontypool RFC v Cross Keys RFC 18:30 Newport RFC v Swansea RFC Saturday 26 December 14:30 Ebbw Vale RFC v Newport RFC 14:30 Pontypridd RFC v Pontypool RFC 14:30 Swansea RFC v Bedwas RFC
175 of the region’s most promising under 15 rugby players joined the Dragons as guests for the Heineken Cup match against Glasgow last month. These players represent the 5 Dewar Shield District teams of Blaenau Gwent, Islwyn, Pontypool, Newport and Rhymney Valley and come from schools and clubs across the region. The Dewar Shield competition is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in Wales for Under 15s rugby and is crucial for the identification of future regional and academy players. Through kit suppliers Canterbury, the Dragons have given each team a new playing kit. These kits will bear the Newport Gwent Dragons logo alongside the badge of the District. “By presenting each team with a kit, the Dragons are demonstrating that they support players across the Region and are showing a willingness to reach out to all corners,” said James Chapron, WRU Community Manager for the region. Martyn Edwards of Abertillary BG RFC has been appointed as Dewar Shield coordinator for the region. His role is to help identify talent for the regional Under 16 side and oversee regional and WRU support the five Districts. Dragons forwards coach Leigh Jones also hosted two development days for Dewar Shield Coaches.
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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whats on
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WHAT’S ON
NOVEMBER 4th
REMBRANDT - PORTRAIT OF CATRINA HOOGHSAET NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES
young soldiers make the most of a drunken night out with friends in an English market town. Their bravado is soon crushed by their tour of duty and the civilian life they return to is now as alien to them as the desert they left behind.
A special loan of Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606-1669) Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet from Penrhyn Castle will be on show at National Museum Cardiff alongside original etchings and Netherlandish portraits from National Museum Wales's own collection. Museum visitors will be given the opportunity to enjoy the Portrait of Catrina Hooghsaet (1607-1685) for free until 21 March 2010, when it will return to Penrhyn Castle near Bangor - its home since the 1860s.
DECEMBER 7th PAUL WELLER VENU CYMRU
The Modfather will be at Venue Cymru this December after the success of his last studio album, 22 Dreams. Weller is currently working on a follow-up to 22 Dreams, which is expected to be released in Spring 2010. A rare chance to see Weller in intimate surroundings, Venue Cymru is the only Welsh date on his forthcoming UK tour.
NOVEMBER 27th NOVEMBER (throughout) CAPPUCINO GIRLS VARIOUS VENUES
FOLLOWING the success previous productions Amazing Grace and Contender comes a new musical written by Mal Pope. Three women, living three very different lives, are all trying to keep it together. Think Friends meets Sex and the City and you're halfway there. With costumes designed by David Emanuel and a set design by Edward Thomas, the production designer of Doctor Who and Torchwood, this show will be the perfect antidote to those dark winter evenings.
NOVEMBER 17th
JIMMY CARR WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE A heady mix of artistic integrity, loyalty and avarice has put Jimmy Carr back on the road this autumn. Discussing his latest show, Rapier Wit, Jimmy says, "A 'rapier' is the long sword of a gentleman. 'Rapier wit' is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour. I don't have 'the long sword of a gentleman' and even if do like me, 'clever, quick and intelligent' is a bit of a stretch."
NOVEMBER 17th-21st DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE SHERMAN CYMRU Before they depart for active service, two
NOVEMBER 22nd
KASABIAN CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL ARENA The Leicester band celebrate the success of their number one album West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum with a gig in the Welsh capital. With the demise of Oasis, Kasabain are being hailed as the biggest band in Britain at the moment. The Arctic Monkeys and (ahem) Coldplay might have something to say about that, but pass your own judgement when the quartet swagger up to Cardiff International Arena in late November.
JACK IN THE BEANSTALK COLISEUM THEATRE, ABERDARE Presented by the Owen Money Theatre Company, comedian Mike Doyle stars as the hopelessly hapless but very loveable Jack in this giant of a pantomime. With a handful of magic beans, a castle in the clouds, a golden hen, a singing harp and a large beanstalk with a very mean giant at the top of it, this timeless panto is a classic for the whole family. only Welsh date on his forthcoming UK tour.
December 4th
FFAIR NADOLIG/CHRISTMAS FAYRE YSGOL GYMRAEG Y FENNI ABERGAVENNY Come and see Santa Claus and enjoy the Christmas season beginning at this wonderful venue. For further information call 01873 852388.
www.whatsonwales.co.uk To find out about the latest arts events in Wales, visit
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LES MIS SHOW
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Les Miserables
The greatest show on earth! Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre celebrates its fifth birthday this year and what better way to show off its status as a premier Welsh showcase than to play host to the world renowned Les Misérables. THE international tour of the new 2009 production of Les Misérables opens at the Wales Millennium Centre on December 12th where it plays until 16 January 2010. The show will then visit Manchester Palace Theatre (19 January - 13 February 2010), Norwich Theatre Royal (16 February - 20 March 2010), Birmingham Hippodrome (23 March - 17 April 2010), Edinburgh Playhouse (20 April - 15 May 2010) and The Chatelet, Paris (26 May - 4 July 2010). The producer, Cameron Mackintosh, held auditions at the Wales Millennium Centre in July for male and female actor singers with excellent vocal and musical ability to join the cast on their fantastic tour throughout the UK. Cast members that will include the incredible Welsh star John Owen-Jones as ‘Jean Valjean’, Earl Carpenter as ‘Javert’ and Gareth Gates as ‘Marius’. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Stars’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, ‘One Day More’, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, ‘Master Of The House’ and many more. Les Misérables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queens Theatre on 3 April 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When Les Misérables celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World’s Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by ‘Cats’ in London’s West End. Seen by over 56 million people worldwide in 42 countries and, in 21 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the Worlds most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe. There have been 34 cast recordings of Les Miserables including the multi-platinum London cast recording and the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold nearly two million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,000 productions of the Les Misérables School’s Edition scheduled or being performed by over 100,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools. Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg and is based on the www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The original London production of Les Misérables was adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. This new production will be directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the works of Victor Hugo and John Napier. Original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter. NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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interview
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LES MIS CAM
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Cameron Mackintosh
Looking beyond the barricades It’s the longest running musical on the West End and has been a world-wide success, now in its 25th year Les Misérables comes to Cardiff. Nick Clarke spoke to producer Cameron Mackintosh. AMERON Mackintosh is responsible for bringing many of the greatest musicals to the stage. Productions such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Cats, Avenue Q, My Fair Lady and Phantom of the Opera may never have gained the success the have acheived if it wasn’t for the brilliant mind of this legendary producer. Now, 25 years on Sir Cameron is taking Les Misérables on tour and will be gracing stages and wowing audiences with a new production across the UK as well as stopping in Paris. We in Wales are a musical nation so it is a fitting start to the tour as it hits the Wales Millennium Centre first. I had the privilege of speaking with Cameron earlier this year about bringing Mary Poppins to Cardiff so, this time I wanted to know if Wales and, in particular, the Millennium Centre itself was a favourite place for the giant of musical theatre. “Well, firstly Les Misérables has built a wonderful connection with Wales over the years with many Welsh performers playing a part, in particular Michael Ball played the part of Marius in the original production and now John Owen Jones has gained fantastic success playing the lead Jean Valjean not only on the West End but on Broadway also,” said Cameron. “Many of the props and set design are also made in Cardiff, so a natural choice. We wanted to take the show to Paris and will be at the Théâtre du Châtelet, a theatre which is very similar to the Wales Millennium Centre, and I have great regard for,” he said. Another Welsh connection to the musical is Ken Caswell, a Brynmawr boy who directed Les Misérables all over the world for 17 years who retired from the show two years ago. “Ah yes, Ken worked extremely hard on Les Misérables over the years, perhaps I worked him too hard, on occasion,” he quipped. Being arguably Les Misérables number one fan, speaking to Cameron Mackintosh for the second time this year was a true honour. There were many questions I wanted to ask but, to begin with, I had to find out where his affiliation with Victor Hugo’s classic story about the French Revolution began? “I first saw the Charles Laughton movie and fell in love with the story so, when Alain Boubill and Claude-Michel Schonberg came to me with a tape of the music they had written for Les Misérables, I thought this was something potentially very special. However, it wasn’t until a few days later that I listened to the tape, but when I did I was totally blown away. I had to take this to the West End and of all the shows I have been involved with over the years it still remains my favourite, though it is hard to choose, when I’ve been involved in so many wonderful productions,” he said. After ten years of global success, Les Misérables was celebrated with a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, where many of the original stars were brought back by Cameron to perform, as well as 17 actors who had performed the lead character Jean Valjean, in 17 different countries from the UK to the USA and from Australia to Japan. “That concert was a special day for me, although very hard work and a few chewed fingernails, as we only actually had 14 hours to rehearse the show in the Albert Hall itself" said the musical maestro.“ The show was amazing and not one single thing went wrong from start to finish. There was a lot going on, the show was being aired live on radio as well as being the first to be filmed in high definition. To see the likes of Colm Wilkinson and Michael Ball perform in front of me once again, left the hairs standing on the back of my neck, it was a special and most memorable time”, he added. “Even though the music from that original tape has been changed over the years, the brilliant writing of Boubill and Schonberg has evolved the production and has made it the success it is today. It’s this evolution of the show over many years that has led to me celebrating its 25 year anniversary with an updated and new touring production,” he added.
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We all know the success of Les Misérables as it is today, but I was interested to know what the original reception was like all those years ago when, with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the muscial opened at the Barbican Theatre. Did it open to rave reviews and was it well received immediately? “Absolutley not! The pre-ticket sales were very poor indeed, and at one point I had to decide whether to pull the show altogether,” said Cameron, with a slight tense note to his tone, almost remembering as if it were yesterday, the initial concerns that were raised. “The show opened and the following day, the newspapers hit us hard, slating the show and giving Les Misérables really bad reviews. What we saw next was totally unexpectected and not only surprised but delighted everyone involved in this fabulous musical. The newspapers slated the show but the general public of the UK voted with their feet, ticket sales went up dramatically, and Les Mis began to sell out. A trend that continued to our delight and keeps going to this day,” said Cameron proudly. This is echoed by the ticket sales at the Millennium Centre which is almost a sellout with only a few single tickets available. Our very own John Owen Jones was the youngest ever to play the lead of the tragic Jean Valjean, and has recently been voted the best to ever play the role by one New York newspaper. I first saw the fabulous John Owen Jones play Valjean at the Queens Theatre in London a few years ago. It was this performance that had me spellbound and JOJ remains my favourite Valjean to this very day. With this in mind I wanted to see if Cameron would tell me who his favourite is? “There have been many wonderful performers in the role over the years and the great Colm Wilksinson is very much one of my favourites,” said Cameron. Valjean has been played by many great actors and singers all over the world, and obviously JOJ is up there with the very best also,” he added. The touring production now comes to Cardiff, opening on Friday 11th December and running until Saturday 16th January. It promises to be a different production to that of the West End so how different will it be? “We have come up with new sets which are more colourful and much more vibrant than the West End. Victor Hugo himself was also a great artist so, we are using many of his works to form much of the background scenery,” he said. “The show has been altered for productions all over the world so it’s not a new concept to change it now. The music is the same and the characters themselves are the same, but the fresh ideas and the excellent people we have working on the show will certainly impress the 21st century audience,” he added. A very well spoken and astute man, Cameron Mackintosh is a master of musical theatre. Everytime I see the show and listen to its music I fight back the tears during this emotionally charged muscial. I wanted to know if Cameron realised all those years ago that he would be responsible for big rugby-playing chaps like myself, being reduced to floods of tears? “No, absolutley not. When the show opened at the Barbican, I sat in the box watching, and when, during the second act, the cast sang ‘One Day More’, I burst into tears myself. This remains the most memorable moment in my career in musical theatre,” he said. Les Misérables starts its tour in Cardiff before moving on to Birmingham, Norwich, Edinburgh and then onto to Paris. The longest running West End musical has wowed audiences for 25 years, gaining new fans like myself along the way ensuring its legacy for many years to come. With songs such as ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, ‘Bring Him Home’, and ‘Stars’, Les Misérables will continue to charge and challenge the emotions of musical theatre lovers. Dream the dream for yourself and see, what is in my humble opinion, the greatest show on earth! NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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LES MIS HISTORY
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Les Miserables
Literary classic of Victor Hugo As the musical makes its way to the Principality, Anne-Marie Smith looks at the original story which gave the production its inspiration. VICTOR Hugo began to think about Les Misérables as early as 1829 whilst observing the habits and behaviour of people on the streets of Paris. On a cold day, he observed an impoverished man being arrested simply for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. At the same time the arrest was taking place, he observed a beautiful carriage with an elegantly dressed lady and child passing by who were totally oblivious to the sight of the poor man arrested for stealing food. Hugo wrote that he saw this man as the spectre of misery, the ghostly forewarning in full light of day, in the sunshine, of the revolution still plunged in the shadows of darkness, but emerging from them. The moment he become aware of her existence, while she remained unaware of his, a catastrophe was inevitable." Over the years, Hugo continued to observe peoples lives and his own personal experiences and memories. In 1862, Les Misérables was finally published and it generated more excitement than any book in the history of publishing and is synonymous with its portrayal of sketched portraits of Cosette, Fantine, Marius and Jean Valjean. The book was such a huge success that bookshop owners and other sellers battled to buy copies of the book for their expectant and demanding customers. In 1985, the musical version of Hugo's novel opened in London. Although the show opened to mostly poor reviews, ticket sales were huge with its success built on word of mouth and the fact that the book was such a huge hit and the story behind Les Misérables struck a cord with everyone who saw or read it. Les Misérables has been translated into nearly every language and, during the past century, has become one of the best-selling books in history. Les Misérables translated from French with various meanings but all with the same common theme i.e The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims, follows the hardship, lives and survival of several French characters over a twenty-year period in the early 19th century, starting in 1815, the year of Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo The novel focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. How he is convicted of stealing a loaf of bread and sentenced to hard labour. Jean Valjean (known by his prison number, 24601), was sentenced to nineteen years in prison and upon release becomes a force for good in the world. However, he is unable to escape his past largely thanks to Javert, an obsessive police inspector.
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The novel and the musical looks at all aspects of French life during this period from its law and politics, religion, architecture, and of course love and death. The story is historical fiction because it contains factual, historic events, including the Paris Uprising of 1832. The uprising of 1832 was an unsuccessful, anti-monarchist uprising of Parisian students that took place over two days. Les Misérables is one of the few works of literature that discusses the June Rebellion and the events leading up to it www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
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Charity Christmas night at the movies THE annual Christmas concert by Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, A Christmas Night at the Movies, returns to St David’s Hall on Friday 4th December (7.30 pm) with all proceeds this year going to George Thomas Hospice Care. This popular night of movie music, conducted by Michael Bell, will include two Oscar winning themes from Saving Private Ryan and The Longest Day to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. There will also be music from the world’s leading film music composer, John Williams, with scores from Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Jurassic Park. The evening also includes a tribute to Gone With The Wind in its 70th Anniversary Year and the very best from the Musical genre with extracts from My Fair Lady and Oliver! A Christmas Night at the Movies would not be complete without a rendition of the Christmas classic White Christmas. Tickets for A Christmas Night at the Movies and Overture Extravaganza start from as little as £5.00 with reductions available and are on sale now from the St David’s Hall Box Office on 029 2087 8444 or online at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Owen Money Theatre Company presents
Jack and the Beanstalk BLACKWOOD MINERS’ INSTITUTE Wednesday 9th December to Monday 28th December
Standard tickets £13/£9.50 concessions/Family Ticket £40 Christmas Eve & Boxing Day tickets £15/£11 concessions/ Family Ticket £44 Performance times vary visit www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com for a full schedule or call the Box Office on
01495 227206
FAMILY TICKETS & MULTIBUY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Children Under 16 - Half price tickets. Call Box Office for details
18th December - 2nd January
xmas gifts 2
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Christmas gifts Lola Rose Deco Faceted Circle Necklace, Black £85 John Lewis
...for her
Bra Bags from £33 www.barechicv.co.uk
...for him
Cufflinks, various Retreat Men’s Clothing Abergavenny Irall Madeleine Nightdress £44 www.barechicv.co.uk
...for them
Top Gear Mug £6 NEXT
Rubiks Cube £15 NEXT
Trollbeads bracelets to be won Fairy Money Box £8 NEXT
Peppa Beach Buggy Pushalong £17.50 Debenhams
Vehicle Case £4 NEXT
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
THIS month, we are so excited that because of the generosity and support of A Lea Jewellers in Aberdare we are able to give away 10 beautiful TrollBead Debut bracelets. These outstanding pieces of jewellery are worth £88 each and the beauty of these bracelets is that you can collect the beads and stones and design the bracelet to your own individual requirement. A Lea Jewellers (see advert on back page) stock a wide range of beads and stones to add to your bracelet from birth stone to silver, gold and precious stones these handcrafted items can be bought as a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or to mark a special occasion or simply because you just fancy treating yourself. To be in with a chance to win a Trollbead Debut bracelet simply answer the following question: What year did Trollbeads originate?
Send your answers along with your name, full address and daytime telephone number to; TROLLBEADS Competition, Living Wales magazine, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool. NP4 6JE. Closing date is Monday 7th December for your chance to win one of theses beautiful pieces of jewellery in time for Christmas. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
PONTYPOOL
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For all your Christmas food & gifts visit Pontypool Markets
Supporting the local traders in pontypool ALTHOUGH it is easy to buy many of your Christmas gifts from the high street chain stores and also on-line, it is also nice to browse around your local independent stores and markets. At Pontypool indoor and outdoor market you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of choice and selection of Christmas gift items. From jewellery to handbags and purses, unique gifts and clothes the market should have everything you could possibly need to make your Christmas special. Not only will you be supporting your local traders, you can also soak up the atmosphere, sights and smells associated with browsing through local markets as well as potentially picking up unique items you won't find anywhere else. Pontypool indoor market is open every day (except a Sunday and closes half day on a Monday) and the outdoor market lines the streets of Pontypool on a Wednesday. The bustle, fun and excitement of searching for that special gift is something that should be enjoyed, and what better way than at your local market. High street shops are normally packed with queues and irritable shoppers barging past one another to grab a gift that is not unique and can be expensive. At Pontypool market you can shop and browse at your pleasure and take time in choosing that special gift. Next month, we will be looking at the markets in terms of purchasing your produce for the Christmas table and once again supporting the local traders.
Whether it’s for Welsh produce, a special gift or your Christmas fayre PONTYPOOL MARKETS has everything you need this festive season!
Support your local trader this Christmas! OUTDOOR MARKET EVERY WEDNESDAY INDOOR MARKET OPENING TIMES Monday 8.30pm - 2pm Tuesday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 8.30am - 4pm
For further information call Pontypool Regeneration office on
01495 766029 www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
15
NEWPORT IN BLOOM
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Newport In Bloom are proud to support the Christmas lights switch on Sunday 22nd November
For information on Newport In Bloom and advice on how your community can get involved call: 01633 656656 www.newport.gov.uk/newportinbloom
Fo l l o w t h e s ta r
A4 Living Wales Advert
14/10/09
3:25 pm
Page 1
to Christmas in
Newport
Christmas Lights Switch-On Sunday 22 November 12 noon onwards; Lights on at 5pm Live Stage, Santa, Donkeys, Street Theatre, Great Shopping, Fireworks and more... Newport City Centre has a calendar packed full of festive events, from 22 November onwards. For more information on City Centre Events Visit:
www.newportcitycentre.co.uk
Proud Sponsors:
Fe s t i v a l
Supported By: South Wales Argus, Red Dragon Radio, Supported By: Voice Magazine, Ezeeeplay and Soundbase UK
N e w p o r t
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10
Feeling good about Newport Host City for The 2010 Ryder Cup
BARECHIC
16/11/09
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a grand day out
Blackwood
Innovation in the Sirhowy valley Named for the town’s central part in the Chartists Insurrection of 1839, Blackwood’s fabulous Chartist Bridge proudly spans the valley, overlooking all that’s new in town. WORDS Patricia Clarke PICTURES Nick Clarke
T
HE South Wales town of Blackwood stands on the River Sirhowy, in the County Borough of Caerphilly, 14 miles from the City of Newport and 17 miles from the Capital City of Cardiff. Served by a smart new road, reached via the splendid Chartist's Bridge spanning the valley, this town has recently undergone a huge regeneration programme. Put on the map when local man Zephaniah Williams, also known as the ‘Blackwood Infidel’ along with leaders John Frost and William Jones, held meetings in the Coach and Horses public house to plan the ill-fated actions of the riots of 1839 fought at Newport’s Westgate Hotel. With a population of over 23000, the town has changed greatly since then but still retains its wonderfully wide main street through the shopping centre, originally The Sirhowy Tramroad, built for the horse-drawn trams and opened in 1805. The horses were subsequently replaced by the steam engine, and the rest, as they say, is history. Nowadays the town's large retail parks and supermarkets serve the surrounding areas, such as Oakdale, Cwmfelinfach, Cefn Fforest, Pontllanfraith, and Ynysddu with most goods necessary for daily life, but take a look around with us as we find that there's not only shopping but also plenty to see and do for this month's A Grand Day Out.
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
HISTORY There was not much in the way of industrial history before the usual eighteenth century coalmines and iron manufacture, apart from the likes of the Foundry at Bedwellty, the quarries at Mynyddislwyn and the seventeenth century Water Mill at Gelligroes. The Romans largely failed to travel in this direction, uninteresting as it was geographically, to their invasion strategy, and the Normans seemed to feel the same, with the possible exception of some lovely churches, such as the 13th century St. Sannan’s at Bedwellty. ‘Y Coed Duon’ or Blackwood was simply just that, a large woodland area with early local crafts such as woollen mills and agriculture, but very few inhabitants, until the local pit owner John Hodder Moggridge built houses for the local miners. Moggridge lived at Woodfield Park Estate, and this philanthropic act served to raise eyebrows at this hugely improved living accommodation for the mineworkers. The quarries at Mynyddislwyn provided the sandstone for house building, the local church, St.Tudor’s was rebuilt in 1820 on the site of the original Norman church which was granted to Glastonbury Abbey in about 1102. The aforementioned Chartist Insurrection of 1839 which was a well chronicled uprising against the so-called ‘Rotten Boroughs’ of Britain, where the rich abused Britain’s Electoral system, buying votes and thus influencing Parliamentary decisions in their own favour was ultimately responsible for the inclusion of
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
BARECHIC
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Blackwood
a grand day out
‘The People’s Charter’ after the emergence of the Trade Unions. - Hello! like me, are you Getting that Deja Vu feeling? - Perhaps today’s ‘powers that be’ should look it up in the library in the House of Commons and study it occasionally!! The Chartist Leaders were famously transported to Tasmania, where both William Jones and Zephaniah Williams remained, and where, it is said,Williams discovered coal - once a miner eh! The men were granted a pardon in 1854 providing they did not return to Britain, but then a full pardon was given in 1856, and after travelling around America lecturing, John Frost returned to Britain and died in Bristol at the ripe old age of 93 years. WHAT’S IN A NAME? With loads of Welsh names surrounding the town, this section of the magazine explains the meaning of the sometimes exotic sounding Welsh place names; usually down to the local terrain or landowners and Saints. Regular readers with a smattering of our mother tongue will agree that ‘Y Coed Duon’ speaks for itself as Duo is to Blacken and Coed is Wood, closely followed by Ynysddu the meaning of which seems to be attached to Blackwood in that ‘Ynys’ means River meadow or Isle and of course Ddu is Black, hence we have ‘Black River Meadow or Isle’. Mynyddislwyn, as ‘Islwyn’s Mountain’ is relatively obvious, but Gelligroes? - well we know that ‘Groes or Croes’ is Cross and ‘Gelli or Celli’ is Grove, so Gelligroes is a 'Crossing in the Grove'. Cwmfelinfach, translates as Cwm Valley, Felin -Mill and Fach or Bach is little, so the whole thing is ‘Little Mill in the Valley’, - Lovely! On to the Penllwyn as Pen means top or head of and Llwyn is Grove, it is ‘The top of the Grove’ which, given its landscape - figures. Another PEN is Pentwynmawr, again Pen is top and Twyn is Hill or Hillock, then Mawr or Fawr is Big, so put them all together and we have ‘The Top of the Big Hill’, once again geographically correct, and Cefn Fforest? - Cefn means back and the rest is obvious so it translates as ‘The back of the forest’. However, last but by no means least, there’s Pontllanfraith, well now Pont is Bridge, Llan as most of our regulars will know is Church or Parish of, but ‘Bridge in the Parish of ’ - whom or what? - I just can't find the meaning of the word ‘Fraith’ - a Saint No! - a part of the landscape perhaps - HELP! PLACES TO STAY AND HOUSES WITH A HISTORY As with most towns in South East Wales, Blackwood is situated within easy reach of famous Welsh tourist favourites such as Cwmcarn Forest, the Brecon Beacons, the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal system With popular castles such as the nearby splendid Caerphilly Castle, walks in the surrounding mountains and countryside and, for those visitors armed with a fishing rod, loads of reservoirs, there are plenty of places in which to stay whilst exploring the beautiful views of the valleys, not least the Sirhowy Valley in which the town lies. Why not book yourself into the large Georgian house overlooking the town, which is now the Maes Manor Hotel? Described as ‘Situated in the heart of the Welsh valleys, with beautiful www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
views over landscaped gardens and the valley’ the hotel has 28 en suite rooms; the Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire was also an erstwhile resident of this grand building. Handy for the golf course and on the town’s Gordon Road is the quaint 16 room Monnington Lodge Hotel and Restaurant which began life as a 16th century farmhouse built by the family of the famous Captain Henry Morgan, and The Penllwyn Manor Hotel on the edge of town is also connected to the Morgans as it is said to have been one of the homes of Sir Henry Morgan himself, Buccaneer and Governor of Jamaica. With its secret tunnels believed to have been used by pirates, it is said to be haunted - so why not take a look? I’m sure you’ll be spooookily impressed! - Whooooooh me hearties!! BLACKWOOD MINERS INSTITUTE The Hall was originally built and finished in 1925 with its purpose being a single storey snooker hall, owned by the Coal Industry and the Social Welfare Organisation and paid for out of the Oakdale Miners’ wages at 3d a week. In 1936 two further floors were added to the building to include the stage, auditorium, dance floor, reading room, library, ladies room and rehearsal rooms for local societies. Original events staged in the building included tea dances, snooker/billiards, reading groups, rehearsals and union meetings for local miners. The building fell in to disrepair in the 1970s/1980s with the pit closures and in this year the trustees sold it to Islwyn Borough Council who promised to make it available for community use. The council kept their promise and reopened the building in February 1992 as a community arts and entertainment venue. The reopening was due to the funding from Islwyn Borough Council and the Welsh Office. The opening series of concerts saw local school children perform on the same stage as Ken Dodd, Jasper Carrott and the Welsh National Opera. NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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BLACKWWOD
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a grand day out
Blackwood
your family tickets for Owen Money’s Panto, but be quick as productions are very well attended which, along with the Amateur theatre company of The Little Theatre on Woodbine Road, provides a great injection of culture into the town. The Welsh poet, Reverend William Thomas whom we know as ‘Islwyn’ was born in Ynysddu, and is buried in the graveyard of the Babell Chapel in Cwmfelinfach. In 1912 amateur wireless enthusiast, Artie Moore from Gelligroes put the town on the map when he picked up the distress signals from the doomed Titanic, later whilst working for Marconi he was involved with the development of the transistor within telecommications. Dame Margaret Price, famous opera singer, and singers David Alexander and Steve Strange came from Blackwood, and of course The Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield, Sean Anthony Moore, Richey James Edwards (deceased), Miles Woodward (Flicker) and Nicky Wire, formed their band whilst at Oakdale Comprehensive School. Nicky Wire's brother Patrick Jones is a successful poet and playwright. SPORT The town has a Cricket team based in Gordon Road, and plays in the Alliance Division II. Blackwood Rugby Football Club can be found at Glan-yr-afon Park in Hall Street and was founded in 1889. Today the club has mini, junior, and youth teams to feed
the successful seniors who play in the First division of the Welsh National League. Blackwood Bulldogs Rugby League team plays in the Welsh Conference Premier, and nearby Pontllanfraith Rugby Club play in the SWALEC Division 4 East League, and have a junior team. At Cwmgelli, Blackwood has a nine hole golf course, with the full eighteen holes available at Bryn Meadows Golf Club situated on the edge of the town. Famous names to come out of the town in sport are rugby players Alun Pask, Alun Lewis and Kevin Moseley. BLACKWOOD TODAY Anybody who knows the area will admit that Blackwood has had its problems, especially courtesy of Mrs Thatcher’s closing of the collieries, plunging so many into poverty, but with jobs created by the arrival of light industry, some of which is quite ‘high tech’, the town began to get back on its feet. Now with the addition of new retail parks and supermarkets, with some of the biggest names in retail, providing more jobs, and the close proximity and ease of transportation to the cities of Newport and Cardiff the town has a much more positive air. Not only nestled in the beautiful Sirhowy Valley, with the added aesthetics of some terrific pieces of art within the streets of the town, Steven Lindon's ‘The Polo’,‘The Tower’ and the ‘Singing Tree’ sculpture, Blackwood town is ‘THE Shopping Centre’ all of which provides the visitor with lots to see and do on A Grand Day Out.
Visit Dare Valley Country Park and enjoy 500 acres of countryside, walks, trails and family fun all within a mile of Aberdare.
V Visit our new interactive visitor centre V Walk our network of countryside walks and trails V Experience our birds, countryside and spectacular views V Stay on our new camping and caravan site V Spend a relaxed night after a long walk in our refurbished hotel V Relax in the Country Park
Café, 'y Cwtch', selling top quality local produce V Or why not base yourself at the country park to visit the South Wales Valleys and the Brecon Beacons? Or even to visit Cardiff, the capital of Wales
Come and try our stunning Carvery Every Wednesday & Sunday for only £4.95
Dare Valley Country Park near Aberdare offers a full list of family events, guided walks, talks and fun days all through the year. Just bring suitable outdoor and walking gear with you and enjoy your visit!
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Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7RG For further information just call 01685 874672 or visit www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk (Use CF44 7PT or CF44 7PS for SAT NAV's)
Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
Santa’s Cottage 28th Nov - 23rd Dec Santa Claus is coming to town via Aberdare and Dare Valley Country Park! £5.50 per child which includes a present & photo with Santa. Monday - Fridays Schools Only (pre-booking essential 01685 874672) Open to the public on weekends and 22nd and 23rd December. Ho ho ho!
Where’s Rudolph? 20th December Rudolph’s lost again but he's left some clues to his whereabouts! Once we've found him we can go inside and make Christmas things (and get covered in glitter and glue)! Free event Early, advanced booking is essential. Limited places (too many people scare Rudolph!). Book on 01685 874672
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
FIRE
16/11/09
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in the home
Re-light your fire The Fire Design Studio, located on Caerleon Road in Newport boasts a beautiful two storey showroom full of beautiful fireplaces and accessories to suit all tastes and style of home. MAT Webb, the owner of the Fire Design Studio has been operating for over six years and has a wealth of experience in the heating industry. "I have always been in this line of work starting as a rep for a Canadian company before deciding to branch out on my own. I started the business six years ago and have customers from Gwent, Bristol, South West and even West Wales and am now considering expanding and opening another branch elsewhere," said Mat. The studio has a display of beautiful fire places and surrounds with the most popular designs at the moment being the 'Hole in the Wall' and Wood Burning Stoves. There is also a huge call for limestone and marble surrounds. The Studio stocks most major brands and can even supply you with additional touches to enhance your home from light fittings and mirrors to pictures and ornaments. The company has Gas Safe Heatas Approved engineers who provide a full installation service and labour guarantee. Most of their business comes through recommendation and referrals from satisfied customers as well as web site advertising. So, if you are looking for something cool and contemporary, traditional or bespoke, the Fire Design Studio is sure to have a fireplace to warm any home over this winter period and for many years to come.
FIRE DESIGN STUDIO FREE Consultation Gas safe engineers All major credit cards accepted Payment plans & finance available
118 Caerleon Road, Newport, Gwent. NP19 7GZ
01633 215600 E.mail: firedesigninfo@btconnect.com www.firedesignstudio.com www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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FIRE
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in the home
Heating solutions Did you know? Worcester’s Greensource air-to-air heat pumps are a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to help make the most of your conservatory or garden room all year round – keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. THE BIG BOILER QUESTION: REPAIR OR REPLACE? Repair remains an option for a broken boiler, but the potential savings available by replacing with a new highefficiency boiler are leading many households to ask themselves the simple question: can we afford not to do it? Did you know? …it is possible to have an energy-efficient heating system even if you are not on mains gas? However, it is still possible to become more energyefficient and cost–effective – and even get some of your energy for free - by considering upgrading your boiler or even considering the latest renewable technologies.
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
FIRE
16/11/09
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in the home
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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16/11/09
FIRE
18:00
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in the home
DESIGNER FLOORING of Usk lNatural Flooring lSolid & engineered wood lCarpets & Rugs lLaminate Flooring lFREE quotation service lHome sample service lHigh quality at affordable prices lMade to measure blinds, curtains & upholstery available
67, Bridge Street, Usk. NP15 1BQ
Tel/Fax: 01291 671314 24
www.ukdesignerflooring.com Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
To find out more information about upgrading your boiler, investing in renewable technologies or to find an accredited installer in your area, visit the Worcester, Bosch Group website – www.worcester-bosch.co.uk or call 01905 752780. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
HANBURY PDF PAGE
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RECIPE
16/11/09
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recipe
Christmas Cake If you are making the cake for Christmas, November is a good time to start the process. This gives you greater organisation time to make sugar craft decorations, feed the Christmas cake, marzipan and then ice it. INGREDIENTS 225g/8oz plain flour 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp mixed spice 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 200g/7oz dark brown sugar 200g/7oz butter 2 tbsp black treacle 1 tbsp marmalade 1/4tsp vanilla essence 4 eggs, lightly beaten 800g/1 3/4 lb mixed dried fruits 100g/3 1/2 oz chopped mixed peel 150g/5oz glace cherries, halved 100g/3 1/2 oz blanched chopped almonds brandy TO DECORATE THE CAKE 200g/7oz marzipan 1-2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed Royal Icing 3 egg whites 600g/1lb 5oz icing sugar, sieved 11/2tsp liquid glycerine - optional 1 tbsp lemon juice
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METHOD 1. Heat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas2. Grease Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
a 20cm/8inch round or an 18cm/7inch square cake tin and line the bottom and sides with baking parchment. 2. Sieve the flour, salt, mixed spice and cinnamon into a bowl. 3. Cream the butter and the sugar in a large mixing bowl and then mix in the sugar, treacle, marmalade and vanilla essence until light and fluffy. 4. Mix the eggs a little at a time into the mixture adding a tablespoon of flour mixture with the last amount. 5. Fold in the remaining flour mixture until well mixed and then mix in the dried fruit, mixed peel, glace cherries and the almonds. 6. Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and make a slight hollow in the centre. 7. Bake in the oven for 3 hours and then test with a skewer. If not ready bake for up to another hour testing every 20 minutes until the skewer comes out clean. 8. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes. 9. Turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool. 10. Once cool, make a few holes in the cake with a skewer and pour over 3-4 tbspof brandy. Let the brandy soak into the cake.
11. Store the cake wrapped in foil and in an airtight tin or plastic container, holes side up. 12. OPTIONAL: For a rich and moist cake, spoon over a few tablespoons of brandy every week until you are ready to ice and decorate your cake. TO DECORATE THE CAKE 1. Place the cake on a foil board or cake plate. 2. Dust your hands and the work surface with a little icing sugar and knead the marzipan until soft. 3. Roll out half the marzipan to fit the top of the cake and roll out the rest in strips to fit around the sides of the cake. 4. Brush the cake all over with the warmed apricot jam and then place the marzipan on top and around the cake. 5. Cover the cake with a clean tea towel and then leave in a cool place for at least one day. 6. To make the icing, lightly whisk the egg whites adding the sugar at intervals. Beat well until the icing reaches soft peaks. Add the glycerine if using and the lemon juice. 7. Spread icing all over cake either flat iced using a clean ruler or by forming soft peaks. Decorate with Christmas ornaments. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
ROTY
17/11/09
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restaurant of the year
ACE Awarding Culinary Excellence
Restaurant of the Year
2009
TIME is up and the short list has been made. The response to our ACE Restaurant of the Year has been phenominal with hundreds of readers nominating their favourite eatery. After much deliberation, Living Wales has drawn up the two most popular from each of the categories given. Next month, we will proudly announce the winner of each category along with the Highly Commended second place. On top of that, an overall winner will be selected from the five different categories and awarded a special plaque to take pride of place on their pub, hotel or restaurant wall.
The two most popular and finalists from each category are Best Gastro Pub The White Hart, Llangibby and the Cider Mill at Nantyffin.
Best European Cuisine The Yew Tree Italian Restaurant, Pontypool and Garcon French Restaurant in Cardiff Bay.
Best Asian Cuisine The Shahi Abergavenny and the 3 Moguels, Rogerstone.
Best Hotel Restaurant The Ty-Newydd in Hirwaun and the Inn at the Elm Tree, St Brides, Newport
Pub Grub The Little Crown, Pontypool and The Castle Inn, Usk.
In the December issue of Living Wales, the winners from each category plus the overall winner will be announced. Good Luck!
Under NEW Management
The Castell-Y-Bwch
Henllys, Cwmbran
STARTERS Fresh Chicken & Liver pate served with warm bread........................................£4.50 Fresh Crab & Avocado with a fresh basil dressing with crusty bread................£4.99 Ogen Melon & Parma Ham with red pepper dressing.................................£4.00 Soup of the Moment with Crusty Bread.............................£3.50 Mussels in a White Wine Cream & Garlic Sauce.................................................£4.99
Braised Lamb Shank with Mash & Onion Gravy.......................£9.95 Halibut & Wild Mushroom with a White Wine & Cream Sauce......................£12.50 Half of Duck in a Plum Sauce........£12.95 Rack of Lamb with a Minted Cream Sauce....................................£11.95 Medallion of Beef with a Port & Cream Sauce................................................£13.95 Selected dishes are served with fresh vegetables & potatoes Steak Baguette with Fried Onions....£7.50
MAIN Ham, Egg & Chips............................£8.95 Cod Fillet with Chips & Mushy Peas........................................£8.50
DESSERTS
Brandy Snap Basket filled with Banana's & Butterscotch Homemade Brandy Ice-cream Fresh Strawberry & Homemade Meringue All Desserts just £4.50
n
Homemade Dark Chocolate Tart served with a chocolate sauce
SUNDAY MENU - EXTRA SPECIAL OPENING OFFER
1 Course - £6.50 2 Course - £10.00 3 Course - £12.50
TO BOOK YOUR TABLE CALL 01633 864 323 www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
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P28 PDFING PAGE
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The
Star Inn Mamhilad, nr Pontypool
3 Course Lunch (12-2pm) Adults £13.95, Children £9.95 3 Course Dinner (6-9pm) Adults £16.95, Children £10.95
Christmas Festive Menu Available from 1st December 24th December (excluding Sundays) Christmas Day Menu (limited spaces still available) Adults - £49.95 Children - £29.95 Includes drink on arrival.
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW !!!
01495 785319
Christmas Menu Starters
Spicy Parsnip Soup (v) - served with a fresh bread roll Ardennes Pate with Plums & Brandy - served with toast & a salad garnish Crispy Coated Camembert (v) - served with a cranberry sauce & salad garnish Prawn Cocktail - prawns in a marie rose sauce, salad & brown bread
Main Courses
Roast Turkey Breast - succulent turkey breast, pigs in blankets, with all the traditional trimmings Traditional Roast Beef - tender roasted topside of beef served with pigs in blankets and all the traditional trimmings Nut Loaf (v) - No ordinary nut loaf; made with cashew nuts, almonds, walnuts, Brue Valley mature farmhouse Somerset Cheddar and a blend of vegetables & herbs - served with all the traditional trimmimgs Salmon En Croute (v) - Salmon Fillet with Brie & Chardonnay sauce enclosed in a puff pastry case. All main meals are served with - roast potatoes, roast parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing balls, boiled new potatoes and a selection of 3 seasonal vegetables.
Desserts
Traditional Christmas Pudding - with homemade rich creamy brandy sauce Sherry Trifle - homemade trifle with sherry soaked sponge Chocolate Fudge Yule Log - with whipped cream or ice cream Mint Chocolate Bombe - ice cream in a mint chocolate coating Cheese Board - served with a selection of biscuits After your meal enjoy a fresh brewed ground, coffee and After Dinner Mints
17/11/09
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Pasha
PASHA
Share our passion for Asian cooking
Pasha Restaurant
uTakeaway & delivery service uChildren’s meals uFacilities for disabled uOutside catering available uParties catered for uCocktail Menu uFully air conditioned and licensed F or booki ngs an d furthe r i nformati on ca ll
01633 257939/245967
2 Constance Street, (Off Caerleon Road) Newport, South Wales., NP19 7DB
PDFING PAGE 2
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Christmas 2009 Set Menu Starters
Soup of the Day V Made from Roast Chestnut, Parsnip and Apple served with chunky Bread Gravadlax (Salmon cured the Scandinavian way) Served with a Lemon Mayonnaise Potato Salad with green Leaf garnish Homemade Chicken Liver Parfait with Brandy & cracked Peppercorns With grilled Ciabatta Toast, Red Onion Marmalade and Salad Garnish Deep-fried Breaded Brie V With a Cranberry sauce and Salad garnish
Mains
Oven Roasted Supreme of stuffed free-range Chicken Filled with Smoked Cheese and Spinach served on a pool of Tarragon Jus Mushroom, Cashew Nut and Baby Spinach Stroganoff V Served with Turmeric Rice Oven Roasted Fillet of Salmon Served with Garlic Fondant Potato and White Wine Cream Prawn sauce Rolled Shoulder of Welsh Lamb Infused with Rosemary & Garlic and served with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Redcurrant sauce 28-day Matured 8oz Rib-eye Steak With Garlic cream Mushrooms, grilled Tomato and Farmhouse Chips
P31 PDFING PAGE
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Christma s at The Park Hotel Chr istma s Lunch 3 C o u r s e £16.95 Christmas Dinn er 3 C o u r s e £24.95
RESTAURANT OPENING TIMES Sunday Lunch: 12-3pm. Closed Evening Mon & Tues Lunch: Closed. Evening 6.30-8.45pm Weds-Sat Lunch: 12-3pm. Evening 6.30-8.45pm
Boxing Day Evening Party night at the Park with live entertainment and a finger buffet. Tickets available on request £7.50 New Years Eve Join Andy and Mike at the Park Hotel for the biggest party of the year. With live entertainment and an evening hot roast and salad in the Conservatory restaurant. £12.50
For further information call
01495 371431
www.thepark-hotel.co.uk
Also cater for wedding receptions and special celebrations.
Christmas at the Inn at the Elm Tree Festive Christmas Lunch
4 Course Menu (inc.tea/coffee, mince pie). Monday-Saturday from 30th November - 24th December
Festive Christmas Dinner
5 Course Menu (inc. Chef's pre-starter & tea/coffee & mince pie) £25 per person Monday-Thursday £27.50 per person Friday & Saturday
Festive Christmas Day Lunch
Take the work out of Christmas, relax with friends and family and enjoy a 5 course festive lunch which includes a glass of mulled wine on arrival and Chef's pre-starter.
£75.00 per person (Inc VAT) £37.50 Children under 12 years of age
Festive Sunday Lunch throughout December Table d'hote Menu 2 courses - £12.95 & 3 course - £14.95
Christmas Eve - A la Carte Menu
New Years Eve
Bucks Fizz on arrival, Elm Tree Gala Buffet, Music & Dancing Fireworks at Midnight - £35.00 per person
Accommodation
Why not stay in one of the Inn's individually styled bedrooms at £80.00 B&B based on two people sharing or upgrade to a four poster room with spa bath or Water bed suite for £100.00 B&B
Throughout November - Lunch time specials
Christmas Fayre
4 Courses Only £14.95
Christmas Day Lunch £39.95 Adults £19.95 Children FABULOUS COMEDY NIGHTS Throughout Decemeber Visit us online for further information
01495 751304 Albion Road, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 6LE
www.theunicornpontypool.com
info@theunicornpontypool.com
2 Courses £8.95 & 3 Courses £11.95
N.B. Throughout December A la Carte Menu also available.
The Inn at the Elm Tree Coast Road, St Brides, Nr Newport, South Wales. NP10 8SQ
01633 681119 www.the-elm-tree.co.uk email: inn@the-elm-tree.co.uk OPENING HOURS
Lunchtime Monday to Sunday 12 noon-3pm
Evening Monday to Saturday 6pm-11pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm Book your table now for a stunning meal you won’t forget!
16/11/09
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Experience the highest quality of Indian cuisine with a relaxing and contemporary ambience
Shahi
DRAGONS
Shahi Indian Restaurant
Christma i s c o m i n gs
uTakeaway service Book you r spicey uChildren’s meals festive p arty with uFacilities for disabled us now!! uOutside catering available ! uExtensive Cocktail Menu uFully air conditioned and licensed uExtensive Speciality Dishes uVegetarian Dishes available
For bookings and further information call
01873 859201 or 852525 5 Mill Street, Abergavenny. NP7 5HE
P33 PDFING PAGE
16/11/09
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The One stop shop for your catering business Everything you need for front & back of house!!!
We stock the lot!! Online discount for Living Wales readers. Enter inwales5 during checkout for 5% off.
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CHRISTMAS Suppliers of Beers, Ales, Lagers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks Great discounts on bulk orders. Unit 3 Devon Place, Off Foundry Road, Abersychan, Pontypool. NP4 7EG For further information cal 01495 773662 or 07891926167
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2Fanatastic range of coffee machines. 2Purchase or FREE on loan machines available. 2Not using a coffee machine? Try me FREE for a week and see how your business benefits from one of our coffee machines. 2Large or small business, we have the machine for you!
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16/11/09
FILMS
17:26
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at the movies
edited by Jason Roberts
Released this month Weds 11 November Harry Brown (18) Friday 13 November 2012 (12A) Amelia (PG) Cold Souls (12A) Heer Ranjha Lala Pipo - A Lot Of People Love The Beast (15) The Magic Hour (15) Taking Woodstock (15) Tulpan (12A) We Live In Public (15) The White Ribbon (15) Friday 20 November A Serious Man (15)
THE SEA WALL (15, 116MINS)
Examined Life
FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
The First Day Of The Rest
RATING ***
Of Your Life (15)
ISABELLE HUPPERT
Glorious 39 (12A) The Informant (15) Machan (15) The Sea Wall (15) Southern Softies (U) The Twilight Saga: New Moon (12a) Ulysses (Reissue) (15) Wednesday 25 November Paranormal Activity (15) Friday 27 November Bunny And The Bull (15) De Dhana Dhan Law Abiding Citizen (18) Mr Right Nativity (U) Seraphine (PG)
THE Sea Wall is Rithy Panh’s celebrated adaptation of Marguerite Duras’ first novel. A thinly veiled account of the writer’s youth in French Indochina during the 1930s, Duras explored her burgeoning sexuality in the light of advances made towards her by the son of a wealthy Vietnamese businessman. Panh’s rich and powerful drama explores both the personal relationships that were to have a profound impact on Duras’ work throughout her career and the roots of the political upheavals that would lay waste to French control of the region over the next thirty years. Cambodia, 1931. A women (Isabelle Huppert) faces bankruptcy when the sea wall protecting her farmland collapses. Given a year’s reprieve by the local governor, she invests everything into the land that she hopes to pass on to her children, the headstrong Joseph (Gaspard Ulliel) and Suzanne (Astrid Berges-Frisbey). When the son (Randal Duoc) of a wealthy Vietnamese business magnate takes an interest in the sixteen year-
old Suzanne, the mother finds herself compromised, encouraging her daughter into a relationship with the older man in order to acquire his money, but refusing to condone a relationship that is against her principles as a member of the ruling elite. As the control of the French Bureaucrats increases, their Cambodian collaborators quell any dissent with intimidation, finally tipping over into violence when one local official is murdered. As tensions continue to increase and the mother’s consumption ravages her body, the beauty of the landscape is overshadowed by a growing sense of despair for the family.
AMELIA (PG, 111MINS)
NATIVITY (U, 83MINS)
FRIDAY 13THE NOVEMBER
FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
RATING ***
RATING ***
DOUBLE Oscar winner Hilary Swank stars as Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviator and free spirit, who disappeared over the Pacific while attempting to fly around the world. The great cast includes Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston.
A delicious comedy for Christmas starring Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen. Mr Maddens is an under-achieving Coventry primary school teacher whose long-time rival, Mr Shakespeare, teaches at the posh school up the road. Every year the two schools compete to achieve a 5-star review for their nativity play and Maddens’ class always comes runner-up. This year, however, it’s going to be completely, wonderfully, show-stoppingly, different.
HILARY SWANK, RICHARD GERE
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
MARTIN FREEMAN
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
FILMS
16/11/09
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interview
Shaun serves time in Cardiff Anne-Marie Smith speaks to Shaun Williamson - famous as the hapless, lovable character ‘Barry’ in Eastenders who now takes on the role of Fletch in the stage play Porridge at the New Theatre, Cardiff. I MANAGED to grab a bit of time with Shaun in between rehearsals to find out a bit more about his role as Fletch and why he left one of the most popular soap operas in the UK “When I was offered the role of Fletch, I accepted it but with a little bit of trepidation. Ronnie Barker who played the character in the popular television series back in the 70’s was so terrific I didn’t know how I could possibly compete with that. What I decided, was that I couldn’t possibly live up to his performance as Fletch, so I relaxed a little and just got on with it. My physique and age is the same as Ronnie Barker’s when he played the role, so I just work with that and I don’t try to copy his voice.” Porridge was a show that I certainly used to watch whilst growing up at home with my family. “Yes, so did I (laughs Shaun). I used to watch it with my dad and then recreate the scenes the following day at school in the playground. My friends and I used to memorise the funny lines and recite them to each other. The writers of the stage show Porridge Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais specialise in these dramas and have remained loyal to the series.” Living in Kent, Shaun enjoys a visit to Wales . “I have been to Cardiff before when I played Monty the DJ in the West End show Saturday Night Fever at the Wales Millennium Centre. I have also enjoyed a social night or two in the capital as well as visiting Swansea and North Wales. I find the Welsh people very friendly. I also have a band called the John Oliver band from Newport and we perform many gigs including ones at the Celtic Manor Resort. One of my backing singers Lucy Jones is currently appearing in this year’s X Factor.” For most of us, Shaun Williamson will always be remembered for his role as Barry in Eastenders who was murdered by his cunning wife Janine. “Barry was such a wonderful role to play. I was there for ten years and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to work on such a prestigious soap. Working alongside Charlie Brooke (Jeanine) was fantastic, she is such a great actress and such a lovely person. I don’t actively keep in touch with any of the cast, but I do tend to bump into them every so often at various functions and it’s great to catch up. I was ready to leave after ten years and wanted to be killed off as I didn’t want the door to be left open for me. I wanted to go on and try different things, but I certainly don’t have any regrets at all about playing the role, it was just time for me to move on. It’s great, however to see Charlie back in the show. Some of the original baddies in Eastenders are undoubtedly some of the best characters the soap has seen.” Shaun’s other passion apart from acting and stand up comedy is singing. “Yes, I love singing, but didn’t really get into it seriously until I was in my twenties. My parents used to play music at home, they weren’t huge music fans, but the music they did listen to was of good quality. Anything from Otis Reading to Nat King Cole and the great Dame Shirley Bassey was played regularly at home. However, I didn’t seriously start singing until 1986 when I was a blue coat at Pontins and it was something that I thoroughly enjoyed. If I could duet with someone it would probably be Michael Bublé or the winner of this year’s X Factor where you are guaranteed the Christmas number one spot.” So, what did Shaun think of shows like X Factor? “Well, the audience figures don’t lie do they? They are obviously very popular shows and I am watching it this year as Lucy Jones is in it. I am also a huge fan of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ Britain’s got Talent is definitely my favourite as it is like the old variety show. I was asked a few years back if I wanted to go into the jungle, however, the time wasn’t right for me www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
then and it still isn’t now. I think that programme is for people who were once in the celebrity spotlight and are looking to get back into it. My career is still flourishing and I don’t see the need. however, never say never!” Shaun also starred in Extras with Ricky Gervais. “When Ricky rang and asked if I would like to be in Extras, I jumped at the chance. I loved The Office and thought it would be great fun to do.” The publisher of Living Wales asked me to ask Shaun if he still had the pen from Extras (Shaun laughs) “No, but I wish I had!” When Porridge finishes, Shaun goes on to do pantomime in Chatham. “I will be appearing in Aladdin with George Takei who played Mr Sulu in Star Trek (and also appeared in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here). I will then be doing 26 episodes of the children’s cbeebies program called Scoop. Then I guess it will be back to pantomime. In 2011 I will need to look for something more serious that I can get my teeth into. Maybe crimewatch! (he chuckles)” And what about any spare time Shaun gets? “I like reading, particularly history books, autobiographies and crime fiction. I don’t mind Dan Brown although I think a little overrated. I also love quizzes and have appeared on celebrity Mastermind, Eggheads and Todays the Day. I would love to be on I’m a Millionaire and would have Steve Hawkins as one of my ‘phone a friends.” NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
35
BEAUTY
16/11/09
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beauty
Following on from my outstanding SK4 facial I had the previous month, I was now about to experience one of the Salon’s massages courtesy of Clare, their wonderful therapist.
An Ice way for a relaxing day AS before, Clare explained the procedure to me before leaving me for a few minutes to get undressed and to make myself comfortable on the bed. I was covered at all times throughout the treatment by a blanket and/or towel to protect my modesty whilst Clare worked her magic on various parts of my body. She started on my neck, shoulders and back area massaging and rubbing using the beautiful smelling Matis products. After spending approximately fifteen minutes on my back area, I then rolled over for Clare to start work on my stomach. This is an area that I have most trouble with as most of my fat tends to store here. Clare gave my stomach quite a firm massage, although I have to stress that it did not hurt in any way. She explained that what she was doing would help with lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. This type of massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase lymphatic flow and get rid of toxins in your body. Your lymphatic system's job is to flush all the toxins away, and keep you healthy. Because lymph is so key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving its flow and drainage around the body is good for you in lots of way and can have a powerful effect on your general health. From my stomach she moved to my chest and shoulder area as
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
well as my arms and down to each individual finger. All the time the treatment was taking place, I could hear soothing background music being played and the hum of hairdryers from the hair salon below. All this added to the relaxing ambiance and tranquility of the room. Finally, before nearly drifting off into a semi-conscious state, Clare turned me back over to work on both my legs. From the thigh right down to my little toe, each area was covered in detail. After an hour and a half of complete bliss, my treatment was complete and I have to say, I could have stayed there longer! My skin smelt divine and I felt totally relaxed right from my head to the tips of my toes. I felt so calm for hours following the massage and would recommend this to anyone who suffers from stress, aches or pains or simply looking to improve their health. I was impressed during my treatment that Clare pointed out a problem with my back claiming that the one side was quite inflamed and suggested I might need to see a doctor. She was definitely right about my back as I do suffer with back problems from time to time and maybe I should take her advice and seek medical attention. For anyone who feels slightly nervous or embarrassed about having a massage there really is no need. I felt totally comfortable and relaxed throughout and would recommend this as a great stress buster in the lead up to the hectic festive period! www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
BEAUTY
16/11/09
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iB
ICE HAIR & BEAUTY COMPANY
Beautiful hairdressing and beauty salon set in the heart of Old Cwmbran Village. Beauty Treatments include:
fWaxing (Full Leg, Half
Leg, Bikini Line, Underarm, Lip, Chin etc, Eyebrow, Forearm, Back & Shoulders, Chest)
fGigi Waxing fBrow & Lash Treatment (Eyebrow Shape, Eyebrow Tint, Eyelash Tint, Brow & Lash, Eyelash Perming)
fBasic Manicure or Pedicure & Luxury Manicure or Pedicures
fMassage (Full body or Back, Neck & Shoulders) fMatis Paris – Facial Treatments fMatispa Body Treatments fSK4 Treatments fMake-Up Artdeco (using Artdeco mineral skincare makeup range)
fMake-Up Lesson fBridal Make-up (includes initial trial and wedding day) fWedding Day Hair & Beauty Package (Includes hair trial, hair on the day, make-up trial, make-up on the special day)
fBirthday Bliss (A full manicure and pedicure with Orly polish, Matis mini facial and eyebrow shape)
OPEN HOURS Tuesday - Thursday 9:00am- 5:30pm Friday - 9:00am - 7:00pm Saturday 8:30am - 4:00pm
W Christmas gifts and vouchers now available
ICE HAIR AND BEAUTY COMPANY 26 Victoria Street, Cwmbran, NP44 3JS
Tel: 01633 860619
FASHION1
16/11/09
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fashion
sexy &
suave! Shawl collar tux, Moss Bros white bib shirt,£30, Moss Bros large bow tie,£10, silk handkerchief,£7, Moss Bros Covent Garden peak lapel tux,£159, Moss Bros Covent Garden dress shirt,£35, Ventuno 21 crystal cufflinks, Ventuno 21 high shine skinny belt www.moss.co.uk
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
FASHION1
16/11/09
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fashion
Black Mesh Spot Dress £55 Citrine Pointed Shoes £32 NEXT
Black Tuxedo Jacket £30 Black Tuxedo Trousers £70 Waistcoat £30 White Dress Wing Shirt £22 Bow Tie, Cummerbund and Cufflinks £18 NEXT
Gold snake jacquard dress £50, Dorothy Perkins www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
39
FASHION2
16/11/09
17:00
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fashion
Black Sequin One Shoulder Dress £55 Black Satin and Gold Detailing Clutch Bag £22 NEXT
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
FASHION 2
17/11/09
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fashion Pure Silk Ties from £29.99 Retreat Clothing Abergavenny
Hand Enamelled Cuff Links from £39.99 Retreat Clothing, Abergavenny
Cuff Links from £39.99 Retreat Clothing, Abergavenny
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
Wax & Leather trolley Holdall £169.99 Retreat Clothing, Abergavenny
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
41
P42 ADVERTS
17/11/09
11:36
Page 1
Where you can treat yourselves and not just the children!
Dream the dream at Glangrwyney Court
Wedding Fayre Sunday 22nd November Five star grade two listed Georgian House With its 4 acres of walled gardens it is perfect for Marquee Weddings. On Sunday 22nd November 2009 Glangrwyney will be hosting their 2009 Wedding Fayre Come and explore our wedding venue and speak to local wedding suppliers from 11am - 4pm Admission is Free Glangrwyney Court, Glangrwyney, Crickhowell, NP8 1ES Telephone 01873 811288 www.glancourt.co.uk
The fantastic Glitterbugz family hair studio & childrens party venue now offers a range of beauty treatments that mum can enjoy whilst the children play. TREATMENTS INCLUDE: INDULGENCE Relaxing Facial - £25 Deep Cleansing Facial - £25 Indulgence Facial - £35 Back, neck & shoulder massage - £15 Restorative full body massage - £27.50 Spoil yourself! (facial & back massage) - £35 LITTLE LUXURIES Smooth & Silky Waxing (eyebrow, lip or chin, lip & chin, Underarm, Bikini, Brazilian, Half Leg, Full Leg 1/2 leg, bikini and underarm) Prices from £5 - £24.50
NAIL TREATMENTS TANNING REFLEXOLOGY LUXURY WEDDING PREPERATION WEDDING ESSENTIALS MOTHER & DAUGHTER PAMPER-ME PACKAGES As well as beauty treatments, why not treat yourself to a new hair cut and colour? At Glitterbugz you can have the works! Visit our website for details of all our treatments. LADIES HAIR DESIGN Cut & Finish £25 Restyle £30 Blow Dry £16 Party Hair from £15 CREATIVE COLOUR INCLUDES CUT & FINISH Prices start from £38 MEN’S CUT & FINISH £10.50
Tel: 01633 872572
Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran - Free easy parking!!!
www.glitterbugz.co.uk
DRAGONS
16/11/09
18:21
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HOVIP
16/11/09
17:17
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In association with Kapow Photography www.kapowphotography.co.uk
photography
Photographic composition Sometimes while taking photographs, whether it be a beautiful landscape or even a not so beautiful person you might find that your photographs don't turn out quite like you intended. They seem to lack that, dare I say it, X-Factor! The chances are that without knowing it you are breaking some of the basic rules of photographic composition. Learning these 'rules' can be the quickest and easiest way to improve your photography and they are Credit Crunch friendly because they won't cost you a penny! Rul e 1 - Move How many times have you seen a photograph of Big Ben with the clock itself square on and smack bang in the middle of the photograph? It's called the 'walk up' shot and shows that the photographer is being lazy and unimaginative. OK Perhaps with the amount of times Big Ben has been photographed it would be challenging to come up with something new, but have a walk about and try to find a strange and interesting angle that will add some interest to an otherwise generic snapshot. Ru le 2 - Le ad - in Lines
OSBOURNE LODGE NURSERY Osborne Road, Pontypool. NP4 6LT Quality Child care in the heart of Pontypool Open 8am-6pm mon to fri Ages from 6 weeks to 5 years Healthy home cooked meals Registered, experienced & qualified staff Two floors, soft play room and garden to explore in a warm friendly environment where children have fun and you feel confident in the excellent care we provide Call now for a brochure
TEL: (01495) 752234 44
www.osbournelodge-nursery.co.uk
Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
Be on the lookout for strong linear elements that could be used to 'lead' the eye into the photograph. You can use roads, walls, a river, paths, tree trunks. They don't even have to be straight and they can all be used to draw attention to the main subject. R ule 3 -Fo regrou nd Interes t When taking a landscape photograph try and find something that can be used to 'anchor' the scene. By using an interesting sea-weed covered rock whilst photographing a beach you will immediately see that the photograph has gained a sense of scale. R ule 4 - Use the ' Rul e of Third s' Never place your horizon across the centre of the image. Imagine the picture has a noughts and crosses grid over it and try and position your horizon on one of the lines. The same applies to portraits and other shots. If you position your subject where the lines intersect your photographs will improve immediately. R ule 5 - B re ak t hos e r ules ! Now that you have learned these rules, try breaking them! If you can take a photograph that looks great but doesn’t conform to the rules, who cares, it's an art form after all! The iconic landscape photographer Ansel Adams once said ‘There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs’. All our images are available to buy on our website: www.kapowphotography.co.uk Wedding and Portrait Photographers.
Living Wales Photography Competition This month we are introducing our Living Wales Shot of the Month Competition. Send in your best photographs to info@kapowphotography.co.uk and our experts will pick the best image. The photographer taking the outstanding shot each month will receive their image printed on a high quality 16x16 canvas print. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
HOVIP
16/11/09
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INNOVATION drives success A unique opportunity to become more profitable
In association with
business
Assessing opportunities: Members of Secure Wales with Leanne Connor, The Works Ebbw Vale, Mike Warren, HOVIP and Ian Mabberley, Welsh Assembly Government Enterprise Networks Fund.
Secure Wales members on site at The Works Ebbw Vale
Securing the future for local businesses Five firms from the Heads of the Valleys and beyond are securing their future by working together to help boost business and increase awareness of the expertise available in the region. SECURE Wales, which brings together five like-minded businesses involved in the security sector, have just won their first contract worth £15,000 and are focused on further opportunities to improve their competitive edge. The businesses provide one point of contact for a wide range of specialist advice, products and services on any aspect of security from CCTV, intruder alarms and security lighting, to security gates, doors and fences, man guarding and fire protection engineering, as well as identity card printing, biometric security, IT security and e-crime consultancy. The cluster developed from an innovative idea originated by HOVIP, the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme. HOVIP Manager Phil Burkhard explains, “When we reviewed the businesses we were working with, it was evident that several had skills, services and contacts that were complementary and that whilst they were not all in the same sector, by working together they could increase their commercial potential.” “One of my colleagues, Mike Warren, progressed the idea and facilitated a project through HOVIP working with the founder members of the cluster.” Vince Price, lead member of Secure Wales, takes up the story, “As a group of diverse businesses we all wanted to access new markets and new opportunities but were struggling to find the best way to do it. Mike Warren from HOVIP worked with us to focus on what we wanted to achieve and how we could work together. HOVIP and Mike have provided tremendous support to help us develop a viable commercial cluster. The result is Secure Wales.” The five businesses involved in Secure Wales are: 1. Cynon Valley Crime Reduction Services Ltd – a social enterprise based in Trecynon, Aberdare providing CCTV, intruder alarm systems, security lighting and systems and training development.
2. Design & Manufacture Ltd – based in Merthyr Tydfil providing a wide range of security doors, gates and fences. 3. Spectrum Positive Identity & Training Ltd – based in Cwmbran providing bespoke plastic and identity card printing and biometric security. 4. Rockfield Safety Ltd – based in Caerphilly providing fire protection engineering and safety solutions and training. 5. Creating Media Ltd – with offices in Llanharry, near Llantrisant and Portskewett, near Chepstow, providing IT security and e-crime consultancy. The cluster is also the first successful application to the new Enterprise Networks Fund from the Welsh Assembly Government. Funding of £10,000 has enabled Secure Wales to formulate joint bids, undertake market research to identify emerging products, services and markets, develop a shared database of key contacts and design a corporate identity and website, as well as undertake measures to improve operational efficiency. “The development of this cluster of security businesses is very exciting.” said Ian Mabberley, South East Wales Regional Manager for the Enterprise Networks Fund. “Clustering represents a new way of thinking about business and can bring a wide range of benefits to both the participating businesses and the wider community.” “Secure Wales demonstrates how firms in Wales are positioning themselves to be competitive in the future. We look forward to working with HOVIP to develop other innovative projects.” Phil Burkhard, HOVIP Programme Manager, said, “HOVIP is delighted to have initiated and supported, along with the Welsh Assembly Government, the creation of Secure Wales which is an unusual mix of diverse businesses. Identifying innovative opportunities and transforming them into commercial reality is a key priority for HOVIP. This is an excellent example which proves that doing things differently can help secure the future.”
If you would like to find out how you can benefit from HOVIP, contact Phil Burkhard on 01685 725469 or Email phil.burkhard@merthyr.gov.uk or visit www.hovip.org.uk www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2009 Living Wales
45
DRAGONS
16/11/09
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finance
In association with Medina Lynch Chartered Certified Accountants
Tel: 029 2064 4624
Your self assessment tax return
It’s that time again when all your self assessment tax reurns are due in. Gavin Watkins explains what you need to do.
If you’ve not yet submitted your self assessment tax return for the year ended 5 April 2009 you have missed the deadline for submitting a paper return. You will now have to file your return online before 31 January 2010. You will need to complete a tax return if you are self employed or in a partnership, a company director, receive rent or income from land and property or receive any other untaxed income on which the tax is not collected through your PAYE tax code. If you are an employee or pensioner with more complex tax affairs then you may also need to complete a tax return. You need to fill in a tax return if you: - have an annual income of £100,000 or more; - have annual income from savings or investments of £10,000 or more (before tax); - claim against tax for expenses or professional subscriptions of £2,500 or more; - have untaxed income of £2,500 or more (although some pensioners may be able to pay the tax on this through their PAYE tax code); owe tax at the end of the year that cannot be collected through a change to your PAYE tax code for the following year; or, if you have capital gains tax to pay. Registering to file online is a relatively straight forward process. Just visit www.hmrc.gov.uk and it will guide you through a six stage process. However, please have your unique tax reference (UTR) number ready (which is printed at the top of your tax
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Living Wales NOVEMBER 2009
return), your post code and national insurance number. Please be aware that there is a break of up to seven days between steps five and six while you wait for your Activation PIN. This is to protect the security of your personal and business information. If you file your return online the website will automatically calculate your tax liability for you. All you need to do is to insert the information. If you miss the filing deadline for your tax return you may be subject to a £100 penalty. Which ever way you choose to file your tax return your payment deadlines remain the same. A balancing payment must be made by 31 January together with a first payment on account for the next tax year. If you have not made this balancing payment by 28 February you will be charged an automatic 5% surcharge. Your second payment on account must be made by 31 July. Any payments received after these dates will result in a daily interest charge. If your tax liability is less than £500, no payment on account will be required or if you expect your income for the current year to be significantly different from the previous year you can ask for these payments to be adjusted. If you cannot afford to pay your tax bill the important thing is not to ignore the demand as this will only make matters worse. Speak to HMRC and arrangement a payment plan for your liability by calling their payment helpline on 0845 366 1204. Should you have any questions or concerns about completing your tax return please contact your accountant or HM Revenue and Customs. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
SUBS
17/11/09
10:35
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Subscribe to Living Wales today!! N
LivingWales NOVEMBER 2009
ISSUE 44
Made in Wales!
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MUSIC &THEATRE NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS RUGBY INTERVIEWS LATEST FILMS INTERIORS FASHION & MUCH MORE...
A magazine with news, reviews, interviews and lifestyle tips designed to appeal to the whole family. An informative magazine filled with industrial and sociological history pertaining to your own home town. A magazine filled with information about forthcoming events, activities and places of interest near you.
REGIONAL RUGBY
See pages 6&7 for our new monthly spotlight on Newport Gwent Dragons.
Dream the dream We speak to theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh as the touring production of Les Misérables makes its way to the Millennium Centre next month
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MUSIC &THEATRE NEWPORT WALKS THE PRIORY FOOD REVIEW LATEST FILMS INTERIORS FASHION & MUCH MORE...
SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE 42
ISSUE 40
INTERVIEW Singing sensation, Hayley Westenra PLUS TV star, Michelle Collins
WHAT’S ON Full round-up for July
CITY LIFE
Usk
FASHION Footwear for ladies & gents
VISIT
MUSIC &THEATRE NEWPORT IN BLOOM THE HARDWICK FOOD REVIEW LATEST FILMS INTERIORS CITY LIFE WEDDING LINGERIE FINANCE
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CELEBRITY SPECIAL
BAD BOY Bryn Bryn Terfel Terfel sings sings songs songs from from our our favourite favourite musical musical villains villains
We speak to Wales’ favourite entertainer Mike Doyle about his new role on stage
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VISIT
Looking at the cities of the Principality
On the Bounce
Made in Wales!
Made in Wales!
Cerys Matthews, Tom Jones & Neil Morrissey
WHAT’S ON Full round-up for September
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OPINION
16/11/09
17:08
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opinion
Final word
by Meme Morgan
SIMON COWARD Well, well, well, X Factor really has gone one step too far for my liking! I don't think I am the only one who, since Simon Cowell took the coward's way out and let the viewers decide who was to be voted off, is going to refuse to watch the show again. Welsh lass Lucie was in the bottom two against Edward and John the horrific duo who have no talent and the most annoying personalities ever to grace our screens. Lucie always has sang beautifully and professionally whereas, Jedward managed to destroy yet another song - the pair simply cannot sing! Simon Cowell who has declared all the way throughout the show that the twins are hopeless and should never have made it through to 'Boot Camp' bottled it when he had to vote and had the opportunity to get rid of the untalented couple. What a wimp and why did he do it? Was it for extra publicity and to increase the viewing figures? I think he might have achieved the opposite. He has managed to enrage the viewing public and I am sure I am amongst thousands of people who will now refuse to watch the show out of principle! It’s supposed to be a talent show not an irritating karaoke joke!
JUNGLE HI-JINX Thankfully, a far better television show in my opinion starts towards the end of the month. I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! In its ninth series and with a cast that has already been announced, this year's cast includes a selection of wannabees, has-beens and celebrities that are likely to prove incredibly annoying (Colin and Justin! need I say anymore). Ant and Dec are hosting the programme and, as always, will provide their own mischief, cheekiness and humour to the show. I have watched every series to date with memorable scenes such as Paul Burrell putting his hand into a cave filled with rats and unspeakable creepy
crawlies, Jordan and Peter making eyes at each other across the camp beds and the hot headed but extremely likeable Janice Dickinson who wasn't afraid to speak her mind whatever the consequences. I predict this year that Kim Woodburn (known for her role as Kim in How Clean is Your House?) is going to ruffle a lot of feathers and that Lucy Benjamin may act as the mediator. And whois to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle? Well only time will tell, but I have my eye on George Hamilton or Jimmy White. I only hope George will be allowed to take his false tan in with him?
CHRISTMAS IS COMING Christmas, that time of year again when everyone gets into a shopping frenzy. What to buy relatives and friends and, more importantly, the children! With advert after advert for toys and gifts on our television the choice is somewhat overwhelming. And, is it just me, or does the advertising start earlier and earlier each year? Christmas light switch on also seems to be early this year as does various Santa's grottos and guest appearances. I am surprised in fact that the Councils are still going ahead with switching the Christmas lights on considering they seem to be cutting back on everything else. don't get me wrong, I don't want them to put a block on the Christmas lights, but maybe they could have held back a couple of weeks and saved some money not to mention the environment. After all, I have to walk my dog in the nights in the pitch black because numerous street lights have been switched off, what is more important? People’s safety or making the town centres festive? I think the answer is both, it is just about getting a balance and that is something that the local councils just don't seem to get right! Bah Humbug!
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